STORY: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (January 15) during a White House meeting, in a bid to influence his efforts to shape her country's political future.

A White House official confirmed that Trump intends to keep the medal.

In a social media post on Thursday evening, Trump wrote: "Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!"

Machado, who described the meeting as "excellent," said the gift was in recognition of what she called his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people.

The White House later posted a photo of Trump and Machado with the president holding up a large, gold-colored frame displaying the medal.

Accompanying text read, "To President Donald J. Trump In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength," and labeled the gesture as a "Personal Symbol of Gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan People."

Machado's attempt to sway Trump came after he dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuela's leader to replace the deposed Nicolas Maduro.

Trump openly campaigned for the prize before Machado was awarded it last month and complained bitterly when he was snubbed.

Though Machado gave Trump the gold medal that honorees receive with the prize, the honor remains hers; the Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: STILL PHOTOGRAPH OF U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, AND VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION LEADER, MARIA CORINA MACHADO

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (JANUARY 15, 2026) (WHITE HOUSE - Access all) (MUTE)

1. STILL PHOTOGRAPH OF U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, RECEIVING NOBEL PEACE PRIZE MEDAL FROM VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION LEADER, MARIA CORINA MACHADO / WORDS ON PLAQUE, READING (English):

“To President Donald J. Trump

In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength, Advancing Diplomacy, and Defending Liberty and Prosperity.

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Medal awarded to María Corina Machado

Presented as a Personal Symbol of Gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan People in Recognition of President Trump's Principled and Decisive Action to Secure a Free Venezuela.

The Courage of America, and its President Donald J. Trump, will Never be Forgotten by the Venezuelan people.

Maria Corina Machado

Washington, DC

January 15, 2026”